Toyota's TRD Pro editions will be ready for off-roading

Ready for some more automotive information? We have an excellent article today that you must actually read. Stay up to this day with all vehicle related information and car transportation news right here.



The TRD Pro off-road kit for the Toyota Tundra includes special shocks and springs, larger alloy wheels and a ¼-inch-thick skid plate.

LAS VEGAS -- Toyota Racing Development, mostly known for racing parts and accessories for street-legal vehicles, will offer factory-installed TRD Pro off-road kits on the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner.



Ready for extreme rock-stomping duty, the TRD Pro editions will carry the same 3-year/36,000-mile warranty as a stock pickup or SUV. They will be sold only in conjunction with four-wheel-drive versions of those light trucks, starting in the 2015 model year. Toyota engineers say this is the most advanced off-road package Toyota has ever offered in a retail setting.

"Toyota is king of the dirt," said Jack Hollis, Toyota Division vice president of marketing. "Focusing on authentic performance prevents us from getting into appearance-over-substance, which some of our competitors have gotten into."

Hollis noted that, because they carry a factory warranty, the TRD Pro parts are meant to have a level of durability that short-use racing parts do not.

Among the performance additions:

n Bilstein monotube shocks with remote reservoirs add 1 to 2 inches of wheel travel, depending on the vehicle. The shocks' 60-millimeter pistons are substantially larger than the stock units, providing better damping capabilities.

n Dual cat-back exhaust systems provide up to an additional 10 hp and a throatier exhaust note, just on the border of the 95-decibel legal limit.

n Higher ride-height Eibach front springs add 1 to 2 inches of ground clearance, depending on the vehicle, and smoother off-road response.

n Larger alloy wheels, some with knobbier tires for off-road use.

A 1/4-inch-thick aluminum skid plate is placed under the engine bay. The 4Runner TRD Pro also comes with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and a locking rear differential.

Pricing for the TRD Pro vehicles will be announced closer to the on-sale date this fall. For budget-minded consumers, TRD Pro parts will be available on an a la carte basis, installed by the dealer.

You can reach Mark Rechtin at mrechtin@crain.com. -- Follow Mark on

http://www.autonews.com/article/20140511/OEM03/305129969/toyotas-trd-pro-editions-will-be-ready-for-off-roading